Come back, the state says
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- May
- 1
Have you stopped fishing? Do you no longer buy a fishing license each year like you used to? Well, then you’re a “lapsed angler,” according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. And, the state DEC wants to welcome you back to the fold.
Through a direct-mail effort, the DEC will encourage lapsed anglers to buy a fishing license.
Anglers who have not recently bought licenses will be sent targeted mailings reminding them to purchase a license and support fisheries management.“The fishing in New York State is better than ever, but participation in the sport of fishing continues to decline both nationally and in New York,†said Commissioner Grannis. “DEC is pleased to participate in this program, especially since it complements our I FISH NY efforts to increase angling participation in New York State.â€
A recent study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that the number of anglers wetting a line across the state, other than in the Great Lakes, declined by 12 percent since 2001.
The folks in the photo (courtesy of TJN photographer Frank Becerra) have their licenses (I’m assuming) and were taking advantage of opening day of trout season this year on the east branch of the Croton River.



Journal News staff writer Greg Clary writes Earth Watch, reporting on environmental issues in the lower Hudson region. Clary has been a reporter, editor and columnist at the Journal News since 1988 and has covered police and courts, transportation, municipal government, development and the environment in the Lower Hudson Valley, among other topics.
Laura Incalcaterra covers the environment, open space and zoning and planning issues for The Journal News. A Boston College graduate, Laura grew up in Rockland, attended East Ramapo schools and has worked for The Journal News since 1993. Laura has written features and covered North Rockland, crime, government and a host of other issues.
Mike Risinit covers Patterson and Kent in Putnam County, as well as environmental topics touching on the Hudson River and the Great Swamp. Risinit has been a reporter at The Journal News since 1998.






I have a lifetime license. I am a saltwater fisherman stuck in fresh water land. its a difficult transition. the fish are so small. i think they are all short..